King hails Bahrain's tolerance, moderation

Manama, Feb. 26(BNA): Bahrain will remain the country of moderation, embracing the world cultural and religious diversity which advocates peace, said His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. He paid tribute to the people of Bahrain who embodied the principles of tolerance and mutual understating since olden times. This came as he received, at Al-Sakhir Palace, US Rabbi Marvin Hier. Dean and Founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, its Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. HM the King welcomed the guest, describing Bahrain as a successful model of tolerance and co-existence, embracing all religions and doctrines as a closely-knit family open to the world. He took pride in deep-rooted historic relations binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States for over more than 120 years, on solid bases and strong pillars which will usher in development and progress. HM the King commended the dedicated efforts of the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA), hailing the "This is Bahrain" event which was held in a number of EU states and the US, with the participation of government parties, religious and NGOs. He stressed the importance of "This is Bahrain" events which, he said, aim to project the Kingdom's civilized and bright image to the world, as a land embracing the values of tolerance and co-existence and advocating interfaith and cultural dialogue. HM the King and Rabbi Hier discussed major issues that contribute to promoting the culture of dialogue and religious tolerance and the commitment to moderation and the renunciation of extremism and bigotry. Rabbi Hier expressed thanks to HM the King and hailed him as the Leader of Human Tolerance, describing the people of Bahrain as a model of tolerance between peoples and religions. Thanks to HM the King's leadership, Bahrain embraces all people, without discrimination, within a tolerant and closely-knit society, he said. The Kingdom of Bahrain, he added, ranks among pioneering countries which are reputed for religious tolerance of all faiths, hailing its long-standing rich history. A H N BNA 1814 GMT 2017/02/26